President Trump on Tuesday night attacked New York Magazine for its coverage of his remarks about being at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks, insisting his account was accurate and dismissing the outlet as "failing." The dispute centers on Trump's claim that two firefighters picked him up near the U.S. Steel Building in Lower Manhattan in the aftermath of the 2001 terror attacks.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "The Failing New York Magazine wrote a story that I wasn't down at the World Trade Center after the Tragedy of September 11th, because nobody saw me there. Well, I don't think I would be the first thing on anyone's mind but, I was there, obviously not on the same day as the collapse, but shortly thereafter, with a large group of Construction Workers." He attached a clip of himself speaking to reporters near Ground Zero from that period.
Trump further defended his account, citing his then-head of security, Matthew Calamari, who he said has confirmed the trip to Lower Manhattan "many times, to many different Journalists." He added, "Everything I said was exactly accurate and, to prove the point, I am attaching clips of me there with numerous of my people."
The president's rebuttal comes after New York Magazine referred to his Tuesday speech as a "weird lie." During a Steel Across America event at the White House Ellipse commemorating the attacks, Trump said he was "down there right after this happened," but later clarified he was not at Ground Zero on the day of the collapse, but "shortly thereafter."
Trump also took aim at New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman, criticizing her reporting that he wanted to speak at the memorial ceremony in New York on Friday but could not because politicians are barred from delivering remarks. Trump said he would not break the ceremony's rules, noting that "nobody speaks" at the event and quoting the rule that "Politicians and public officials are not permitted to deliver speeches or remarks at the official September 11 anniversary remembrance ceremony."
Instead, Trump is scheduled to give remarks at the Pentagon on Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks. The president's decision to attend the Pentagon event rather than the New York ceremony has drawn attention, especially as other political figures mark the anniversary in their own ways.
The clash with New York Magazine is the latest example of Trump's ongoing friction with the press over his recollection of events. His insistence on the accuracy of his 9/11 account echoes previous disputes over his statements on other matters. The controversy also comes amid broader political tensions, as GOP divisions surface over Trump's policy proposals.
Trump's critics have questioned the veracity of his story, but the president remains adamant, using social media to push back against what he calls a "story that just won't die." His supporters, meanwhile, have rallied behind him, viewing the criticism as another example of media bias.
As the nation prepares to observe the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the debate over Trump's presence at Ground Zero adds a political undercurrent to the solemn commemorations. The president's planned remarks at the Pentagon will be closely watched, particularly given recent controversies over his use of military sites.
